forensic
forensic Lexical Profile
forensic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime or the examination of physical evidence.
"The laboratory technicians conducted a thorough forensic analysis of the fibers found at the scene."
Characterized by an extremely detailed, rigorous, and methodical examination of facts or records.
"The historian took a forensic approach to reconstructing the daily lives of medieval merchants from tax ledgers."
Relating to courts of law, legal proceedings, or formal public debate and argumentation.
"Her impressive forensic skills made her one of the most formidable appellate lawyers in the country."
• noun
Scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime (usually used in the plural form 'forensics').
"Modern forensics can identify a suspect from a microscopic trace of biological material."
North American The art or study of formal debate, rhetoric, and public speaking, especially as an academic competition (usually used in the plural form 'forensics').
"She won several state championships in high school forensics before studying law in college."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun, this word is almost exclusively used in the plural form ('forensics') to refer either to the scientific analysis of physical evidence or, particularly in North American educational contexts, to the art and competitive study of formal debate and public speaking.
• Rhymes for forensic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin 'forensis', meaning 'of or before the forum' (from 'forum', a public marketplace or gathering place), because Roman legal trials and public debates were conducted openly in the city forum.